"What's in the book basket this week?" brings to the attention of readers via publication of publicity material, one or two (OK there are 19) book titles worthy of attention but which may or may not currently be in the process of being reviewed by our reviewers and whose authors probably (but not always) have not provided us with any other material to publish.

We can't do book reviews for every book, but we do assist authors to promote their books via a "No Charge - No Pay" service in which we invite authors to give us something to publish in which their promotional details can be included. We are extremely grateful to those authors for providing our readership with material that may in fact be exclusive to us or who may simply be giving us the first chance to publish said material.

Articles published this week at Magic City written by various book authors include:(Sun March 9 to Sat March 15)There was no Book Basket March 2nd

Thomas H. Stoner Jr., a veteran energy entrepreneur, joined a group to form the Social Venture Network, built the first independent national energy services company, was CEO of a large independent developer of carbon credits under the Kyoto Protocol, took that company public on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market in 2006 and became a CEO of the "clean coal" industry. After 25 years in alternative-energy industries, Stoner spoke out about the harmful effects of climate change by writing this book.

When beliefs and ideologies are passed down through communities or families, it can be easy to accept the familiar, even if the new generation may not agree.

"Listen Without Your Ears" is a motivational book that encourages readers to connect with their own emotions and information in order to create a more fulfilling and purposeful outlook on life.

A self-made man, author Joe Gwerder shares his personal process and advice on challenging the status quo in various aspects of society while trusting your intuition and control.

"I do not provide 'expert' answers that are derived from a pre-existing protocol or schooling," Gwerder said. "I do help others remember or learn their own method for approaching a variety of life experiences in a realistic and relatable manner."

With sections dedicated to politics, religion and education, Gwerder encourages readers to listen to issues surrounding these topics with a well-developed sense of intuition and a respect for the human condition.

"Changing the world is a personal affair," Gwerder said. "True, widespread change and improvement will only happen when people embrace that as an individual, you can only control you."

Joe Gwerder grew up in small ranching and farming community in northern California. He has been self-employed for more than 25 years, and continues to write about common life issues and experiences through the lens of intuition. Gwerder currently lives in Capay, Calif.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in every four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Survivor Hope Concordia suffered abuse in both childhood and adulthood, and she now shares her message of healing to others.

In the new memoir "Still Standing: A Survivor's Story" Concordia details her difficult journey through homelessness, abusive relationships and poverty to a life of success, motivation and positivity.

Starting as young girl and continuing on through some of her adult life, Concordia was the victim of varying types of abuse at the hands of those entrusted to care for her. Concordia went from living in homelessness to being scouted as a high-fashion model, where she found herself living in a coveted lifestyle enduring similar types of abuse as she had in her past.

"I want this book to aid in eliminating the preconceived notion of what a domestic abuse survivor looks like," Hope said. "Abuse does not discriminate against socio-economic status, gender, age or race."

Through optimism and resilience, Concordia has rebuilt her life and now works to help others do the same. "Still Standing: A Survivor's Story" serves as both an inspiration and an education in the widespread effects of abuse in all of its forms and the importance of healing and progress.

Hope Concordia is a keynote speaker on domestic violence prevention and education for Laura's House of Ladera Ranch, California. She earned her master's degree from USC in gerontology with concentrations in complementary medicine and counseling. She also holds bachelor's degrees in psychology, sociology, and gerontology. Hope currently lives near Mission Viejo, California.

When alliances shift in international politics, does that also change the dialogue between the varying local perspectives?

In the new book "America and Bahrain Winter," author and journalist Yousif Albinkhalil provides an in-depth analysis on the past, present and future political relationship between the United States and Bahrain. By closely examining the decisions and appointments made by the U.S. Government in the Middle East, Albinkhalil highlights the consequences and rippling negative effects witnessed throughout Bahrain.

Albinkhalil capitalizes on his extensive background in education and political strategy to bring a well-developed and experienced voice to the outlook on the United States' involvement in these international affairs and Bahrain's current crisis.

"My aim has always been to raise awareness of the United States foreign policy towards Bahrain," Albinkhalil said. "I want to shed light on the United States' motives and future tendencies by providing political analysis of the situation in the region and the repercussions on Bahrain."

"America and Bahrain Winter" also discusses the history of the conflict in the Arabian Gulf, along with the complex and intertwined local, regional and international factors. Focusing on the uprisings in Bahrain in 2011, Albinkhalil shares his perspective based on years of research and personal conversations with locals and residents of surrounding countries.

Yousif Albinkhalil is specialized in Middle Eastern affairs, government communication and strategic planning and has served for many government projects in Bahrain. He has many academic and professional certificates in political science, political development and government communications. With an extensive background in research work, He has written five books on the Gulf Security and Middle East issues. Albinkhalil is the Editor-in-Chief for Al Watan Newspaper and lives in Bahrain.

United Kingdom -- Whilst most people have firm control over their daily lives, further wisdom and encouragement doesn't go amiss. After receiving an abundance of insight through prayer, spanning many areas of life, Sue and Hugh O'Donnell have compiled all they have learned into a compelling new book. 'Listen Carefully to Me' gives readers a different message for each day of the year and is poised to become the most important book on the shelf for many.

Listen Carefully to Me is a Christian Devotional with 366 unique daily readings. It is not a book to be read through in one go, but each rich and inspired reflection is to be savoured by both mind and heart so that it becomes part of your deeper understanding of Jesus speaking personally into your daily life.

This unique daily devotional helps the reader to identify God's heart and purposes through many of life's circumstances. Received in prayer and presented as short 'letters' from Jesus or the Father, these nuggets of wisdom and encouragement will draw you into a deeper personal relationship with God and release you into new levels of hope and joy.

"The very words of Jesus have been accurately recorded in listening prayer, which will become evident on each page. Every daily reflection speaks His truth, declaring His will and counsel. He speaks about guidance in our decisions, giving, being too busy, rest, obedience and submission. He describes how we should love Him and trust Him, to know the love of our Father and how to have a servant's heart. He talks about His truth, allowing Him to govern our lives. He explains the cross, healing, forgiveness and peace, giving thanks and praise," says Sue O'Donnell. "It's certainly not the only book of its kind -- there are many devotional diaries in print -- but ours is a further attempt to make God's word accessible and provide it to people when they need it the most. There really is something for everyone within the book's pages."

Hugh O'Donnell adds, "The book will give readers a hugely-inspired focus and start to each new day. It's a true treasure that they will re-read throughout their lives and even recommend to their friends. In fact, some people have been intrigued to discover the reflection for their birthday!"

Retirement does not have to equate to living a slow, boring life. Contrastingly, award-winning poet Mary Elizabeth Burgess believes the senior years are the climax for shameless flirting, love and new adventures.

In her new book, "101 Philosophies for Geezers and Geezerettes", Burgess shares a guide for seniors who are looking to still enjoy life. Using her personal poems and mini-essays to highlight the irony of growing older, Burgess pokes fun at arthritis, dementia and the classic stereotypes that accompany growing older.

"People take growing older too seriously," Burgess said. "I want to shed light on the 'Golden Years' and make readers passionate about life again."

Aiming to create an entertaining and relatable read, "101 Philosophies for Geezers and Geezerettes" showcases the outrageous fun readers can have in retirement, while also sharing the gift of laughter and courage for those suffering from the affects of aging.

"In a serious vein, some pieces present hope for the end-of-life issues and, indeed, for the 'beyond'", Burgess said.

Mary Elizabeth Burgess is a retired reading and learning specialist and has authored a study skills manual for children. She has published many educational journals. Burgess won poetry prizes in 2009 and 2011 for "Grocer's Picnic, 1959" and "Grand Canyon Sunrise"

"Making a Rose After the Diaspora" by Eva Ross as an intimate look into a woman's lifelong journey of overcoming adversity.

Born in Austria in 1929, Ross enjoyed a pleasant childhood until the Nazis invaded Austria. Fleeing to Uruguay with her family, she strived to create a life of joy, success and love while dealing with tragedies like the death of her father.

The book provides readers with a post-war voyage to current day that the author hopes will serve an inspiring tale of overcoming life's challenges.

"All lives are unique," Ross says. "I wanted to share my story to show that there is always the possibility of coming out ahead."

Ross hopes the book will become a tool to spark conversation with younger generations about World War II and the struggles of Jews in Nazi Austria.

Eva Ross was born in Austria in 1929 and lived a pleasant life until the Nazis invaded her home country. After suffering through the Pogrom of 1938, she escaped with her family to Uruguay in 1939 only to lose her father within six months. She has experienced a variety of professional success and personal developments. Ross currently lives in California with her second husband.

John 4:7 states, "Beloved, let us love one another; because love is from God, everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." Through scripture and powerful storytelling, author Donais Lee weaves these words through the pages of the book Adonai, Remember Me.

Donais Lee tells the story of Jesus Christ and His presence on Earth through the minds and hearts of those who meet Him. As readers navigate through 36 mosaic chapters, they will experience the thoughts and feelings of each character as they interact with Christ. A slender volume, Adonai, Remember Me, is best read in one sitting, with no attempt necessary to remember each individual story.

"Since a mosaic has numerous pieces, we can appreciate the parts which make up the whole, though it may not be necessary that each part be consciously kept in mind," Donais said. At the close of the journey, readers will find only one story stands in grand detail--the story of Christ during his time on Earth as Jesus. Donais' storytelling and Aran Lee's music CD offer readers a memorable journey, drawing them into a world where the best of dreams come true. Their book assures us that our lives are meaningful personally and universally, and encourages us to believe in one another and ourselves.

Donais Lee is a writer, homemaker and resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Co-author

Aran Lee, is an illustrator and composer. Aran is a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

When you discover the hidden forces that make up your personality, you can unlock your full potential for success and step fully into your personal power. Reclaiming your personal power, living in present time and learning to mange your power wisely is the key to achieving all you desire...this is Joanne's message to everyone every day. Joanne has developed a revolutionary system that allows you to quickly and easily learn how to evaluate personality types on your own. Antoun reveals this system in her new book, "Know Yourself, Know Others."

With "Know Yourself, Know Others," you won't have to spend time filling out lengthy questionnaires or refer to any other resources to achieve complete understanding. "This system is simple, fast, easy to use, direct, focused, accurate, thorough, and complete," says Antoun. "By using this system, you can discover why you do the things you do, how you perceive the world, why people respond to you the way they do and how you can understand yourself and others better at home, at work, in love, socially and more," Antoun says. It's natural...we all have unconscious motivations, both positive and negative. Only by defining what drives us, however, can we hope to harness our own power to live the life we were born to live. That's why Joanne Antoun provides the tools to help you heal the past, live in the present and create the future you desire. Your time is now!

Joanne Antoun, a speaker and author in the field of transformational growth and consciousness, is the creator of the Combined Therapy Cocktail (CTC) technique and is currently training a new generation of CTC coaches. She is also a psychotherapist, neurolinguistic programmer (NLP), Reiki master and teacher, life coach, and a trainer for NLP, hypnotherapy, and the emotional freedom technique (EFT). She currently lives in Australia.

"The Pfurst Family Diaries" by Richard Soares is a wacky, irreverent look at America's growing political-financial complex run amok.

The satire follows the Pfurst family as they attempt to restore America's efficiency by capturing the White House and merging military, industrial and political might into one giant corporation known as a Teracorp, headed by a Supreme Executive Officer (SEXO). Hilarious misadventures ensue, as the family begins to realize that solving America's problems isn't as simple as it seems.

By telling the story of a nation heading down the wrong path, Soares encourages readers to reflect on their current political choices.

"From growing up on a ranch during the Great Depression to working on the Hill both socially and in business, I was made painfully aware of the devastating inequalities of our society," Soares said. "These have only been exacerbated by the political-financial coziness in Washington.

"The book is a candid tale of those who rule and those who stumble along behind loudly proclaiming their diminishing importance in a world in which quick solutions for the many equal fat profits for the few." (For more details)

Richard Soares was born in Oakland, California. He lived for many years in New York City and Washington, DC. Soares now resides in Dewey, Arizona, with his wife, Adela, and a herd of wild javelinas.

In times of danger and adversity, families must make sacrifices to stay together and survive. In one man's experience however, war threatened to sever his family, eliminating a chance at survival and promising grief and despair. In his new book, "Shattered by the Wars," Hi-Dong Chai of Seoul, Korea illustrates his family's struggle to survive through WWII and The Korean War.

His father, a Christian minister, was imprisoned by Japanese police during WWII (1941-1945). His elder brother volunteered to join the Japanese army to have his father released from the prison. He left home for Japan as a vibrant 15 year old boy, and after the war he returned home as an injured 18 old man. He died a year later from his injury. During the early years of South Korea, Chai's oldest brother joined the Communist movement and was imprisoned. Then during the Korean War (1950-1953), when the Communist occupied Seoul, they took his father away, never to return. As refugees in the south during the Korean War, Chai and his mother struggled to survive. Then Chai's mother found a way to send him to the United States. Chai came to the U.S. at the age sixteen, struggled to support himself through school, obtained a PhD in electrical engineering, worked for IBM and San Jose University.

He seeks to share the story of his mother, who through the trials and tribulations that the wars presented, led her family with love and grace. Chai views her as the heroine in the story of his life, as she continued to love her family through sacrifice and suffering. Chai is grateful for the opportunities available in America and encourages other Americans to appreciate the diversity, willingness to change and openness to different cultures that it embodies. He does not however, view the Japanese or North Koreans as evil. Rather, he asserts that it is war and power-hungry leaders that bring out the evil in members of a country.

"I consider 'Shattered by the Wars' to be the most important work of my life because it has been most dear to my heart, [which] has yearned for peace in the world since my childhood," Chai said.

Hi-Dong Chai was born in Seoul, Korea, and was educated in the U.S. with a Ph.D. in electrical engineering. He worked for IBM for 19 years. He later became a professor of electrical engineering at San Jose State University and retired in 2002. During his professional career, he published 40 technical papers and invented or co-invented 49 inventions. He currently resides in San Jose, Calif. with his wife, where he devotes his time to writing, playing golf and singing.

"Shattered by the Wars"
by Hi-Dong Chai
ISBN: 978-1-4624-0796-5
Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Inspiring Voices online bookstores.

No. 11.

"The Man I Was Destined to Be"

By Michael Tandoi

From an addictive and crime ridden past, author Michael Tandoi knew his life story could inspire others to overcome their share of problems.

Tandoi's life of drug addiction quickly spiraled out of control when he was 27. His addiction led to a seven-year prison sentence. During his stay in prison, Tandoi battled his demons and finally became sober.

Three years and the death of his father made him realize that his past held him back from becoming the man he ought to be. In order to move on, he knew he had to accept his failures and work to rebuild his relationship with God.

The inspiration behind telling his story came from his weekly phone call with his aunt, Bonnie Travaglini. She encouraged Tandoi's idea to write his story as a way to help him cope and hopefully motivate others battling similar issues in the future.

"My constant hope is that the story will help even just one person," Tandoi said. Tandoi's new book, "The Man I Was Destined to Be," chronicles his life through his extensive drug addiction and his life-changing incarceration.

Michael Tandoi is a former addict who once lived a life of crime that led to his eventual incarceration. Today, Tandoi is the business owner and operator of his father's former business, Tandoi Asphalt Co. He is currently an active member of St. Monica Church in Rochester. Tandoi is making plans to speak at drug counseling centers, rehabilitation facilities and jails to share his story.

"For now we see but a poor reflection in the mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now we know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (I Corinthians 13:12)

Following the untimely death of his son, Dr. Carroll Helm was able to overcome a deep despair after a profoundly enlightening experience led him to scripture. Ultimately, that experience led Dr. Helm to author the new book God's Mysteries and Paradoxes: Looking Through the Glass, Darkly.

In his new book, God's Mysteries and Paradoxes: Looking Through the Glass, Darkly, Dr. Helm describes how the forces of good and evil are intentionally paradoxical. They represent a struggle between the metaphysical forces of God and His angels and Satan with his demons. These paradoxes are created by God to bring unique enlightenment to the faithful, while confounding earthly wisdom.

God's Mysteries and Paradoxes: Looking through the Glass, Darkly is a book about paradoxes and how they were actually created by God to bring unique enlightenment but also to confound the so- called earthly wisdom. Paradoxes also keep believers humble by showing them that God's ways are not always man's ways. "For this is what the high and lofty One says--he who lives forever, whose name is holy; I live in a high and holy place but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite (Isaiah 57: 15)." (Read More)

Dr. Carroll M. Helm recently retired as associate professor of education at Belmont Abby College in Belmont, North Carolina. He earned his doctorate from East Tennessee State University and his master's in educational administration from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He is a career educator having served as a teacher, principal, community college dean and university professor. He resides with his wife, Edna, in Mount Holly, North Carolina.

Encouraging and inspirational, Greg Spencer's new book, "In Him," challenges readers to make the most of the life worth living instead of settling for distraction and mediocrity.

"In Him" answers the question of what's missing in the lives of today's sons and daughters. Spencer's hope is that all individuals will get a revelation of who they are in Christ and the conviction to live it out loud.

"All individuals from all walks of life can benefit from self-exploration through Christ," said Spencer. "I have experienced awesome things and had great adventures through my own application of God's word."

Based on his own experiences in his twenties, Spencer answers God's call to teach others and hopes to pass on a hunger and understanding of His word. During his travels throughout the world, Spencer witnessed a common thread of children of God not realizing who they are in Christ.

"I'm forever grateful for the love that has been showered on me by the Lord," said Spencer. "Because of this, I want to teach His word and help others take advantage of the life God has provided for us through His Son."

Greg Spencer was raised by a single mother who lived the word of the Bible. She served as his spiritual mentor and laid much of the foundation of Spencer's current beliefs. Spencer is a retired instrument technician and an elder and teacher at New Beginnings Community Church. He currently lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with his wife Karla.

In his new poetry collection "From Life to Death," author Richard Allen Brooks provides introspection into the different phases of life. "I want people to come away enriched in their understandings of their own lives," Brooks said. "If through my work you feel like you've seen your life flash before your eyes, then I've done my job."

Brooks, who began writing poetry late in life, writes about the highs and lows of family, relationships, careers, faith and season changes. Some poems like "No Ordinary Man" on President Barack Obama, "John John" on John F. Kennedy Jr. and "9-11-01" highlight modern events. Brooks also draws from his experience as an African American.

Richard Allen Brooks worked in the federal government, film industry and aerospace industry during his active professional career. He wrote his first poem, "Life," for a friend's memorial service after retirement. He has since completed more than 500 poems and his first full-length play. He enjoys traveling to different countries and has traveled to all fifty states.

Dean Dimitrieski's harrowing story of growing up in the most dangerous neighborhood in America has been honored with many awards and a movie deal.

Growing up in a neighborhood labeled "the most dangerous zip code in America" can be difficult, especially when you're a minority there. Dean Dimitrieski's Tears For My City: An Autobiography of a Detroit White Boy tells the story of a childhood among some of America's most dangerous gangs, where Dimitrieski was constantly harassed for being white in a predominantly black neighborhood. Dimitrieski's moving, absorbing book has touched countless readers, becoming a bestseller on Amazon.

In addition to its bestseller status, Tears For My City has won numerous awards. These include the 2013 Paris Book Festival award for best autobiography, runner-up for the 2013 Hollywood Book Festival award for best autography, and runner-up for best autobiography in the 2013 Great Midwest Book Festival. Tears for My City also received an honorable mention in the 2013 New England Book Festival, and most recently, the book was awarded runner-up in the autobiography category at the London Book Festival.

Now, after all these awards, Tears for My City will be made into a film. Phil Wurtzel, of Friel Films will direct Dimitrieski's screenplay based on the book. Wurtzel just completed production on CAWDOR, starring Cary Elwes, which is slated for a fall release. Full of the drama of poverty, gangs, and drugs, Tears for My City is sure to make an exciting and dramatic film. After all, the book includes frightening near-death experiences as well as Dimitrieski's struggle to walk a straight, crime-free path in a city where practically no one does.

The author, who feels a deep love for the city despite his difficult and often dangerous childhood there, wants the film to be shot in Detroit, and is optimistic the film will revive the city, inspiring its rebirth. Dean Dimitrieski has earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Wayne State University, as well as, a Masters in Information Resource Management from Central Michigan University. He lives with his wife and two boys in Michigan.

Who doesn't enjoy a good mob story? Popular fascination about these mysterious pockets of American society has only grown from the times of Prohibition, resulting in movies like The Godfather and Goodfellas and television shows like The Sopranos. Audience members learn to examine mob bosses and their underlings. But these popular portrayals of the culture rarely take the time to inspect the lives of those affected by mob hits.

Author A.J. Scudiere hones in on these victims and their families in her latest book Retribution, the second book in her Sin Trilogy. Having done research from breaking into her own home, to nearly being kicked out of a shooting range, to even studying black belts for her action scenes, Scudiere's new book gives a look at the victims of the mob. The action-packed book is full of themes about the cost of vengeance, the past affecting the future, and how far you're willing to go to serve justice to the memory of loved ones.

Major themes in the book include:

The lives of the victims of the mob
The past catching up to the present
The consequences of enacting revenge on an enemy
Dealing with tragedy
The importance of self defense

A.J. Scudiere was originally a scientist and teacher and believes in research being a key player in her stories. After working as an educator, Scudiere turned to writing. Using her science degrees (B.A. in Psychobiology and M.S. in Neuroscience) for science fiction, and her physics background for crime solving, she has won BookGateway.com's Booky Awards and two of her works were named in USA Book News's top six suspense books of 2012. The first three of her books have also been made into AudioMovies, which have won multiple Best Audiobook of the Year awards in the Fiction category and garnered several Audie nominations. She currently resides near Nashville, TN.

Author Niamh O'Brien knows the headaches, hardships and heroism that go into a life of transition. O'Brien writes of the challenges that her family faced as they moved from their native Ireland to Jamaica and then ultimately into the United States in her new book, "Black Irish White Jamaican".

O'Brien documents the true story of her family's move in 1951 from their native homeland in search of adventure and opportunity on the shores of exotic Jamaica.

"Black Irish White Jamaican" focuses on the political climate in Jamaica through the 1970s and 80s as the O'Brien family finds themselves treading through a minefield of terror, corruption and racial violence that eventually forces them to escape and seek safety in the United States.

"I wrote this book as a tribute to my family", said O'Brian. "It was important for me to share my mother's shift from dependent wife into independent woman as well as the many cultural experiences along the way".

Through her remarkable memory and vivid ability to tell her story, O'Brien shares intimate and colorful memories from her constant life in transition.

Niamh O'Brien was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1951 to Irish parents who had emigrated from Dublin. O'Brien lived in Jamaica for most of her childhood and early adulthood until she immigrated to the United States in 1977. In 1977 O'Brien graduated magna cum laude from University of Houston. Married with three sons and four grandchildren, O'Brien currently resides in Houston, Texas with her husband.

A former police officer's guide to being in the know about America According to The Washington Post, since 1970, terrorism has affected almost every part of the United States.

Edward Ackley's "The Current Fight Within" is an informative guide to understanding the effects of terrorism in America. Ackley presents readers with knowledge about terrorism, homeland security, emergency response practices, politics, finance and racism.

"It's an easy-to-read book that provides a basic knowledge of the concerns America is facing," Ackley said.

Ackley, a former police officer and Marine, draws from research and personal experience to open readers' eyes to the duty of each American to protect the United States.

"All Americans have a role in preventing terrorism," Ackley said.

Edward Ackley received his bachelor's degree in emergency management from Ashford University and his associate's degree in fire science from American Public University. After serving in the Marine Corps for more than fifteen years, Ackley continued his career in public service as a police officer and is now pursuing his own LLC opportunity to provide anti-terrorism consultation. He is also a former Department of Defense police officer for the federal government. Edward currently resides in Porter Corners, N.Y., with his wife and two children where he works as a firefighter and emergency medical technician for Greenfield Fire Department.

"The Current Fight Within"
By Edward Ackley
ISBN: 978-1-4817-0740-4
$4 Download
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Author House online bookstores.

No. 19.

"Social media: The secret to helping cope with loss?"

By Debra Blood

Facing life after the unexpected loss of a loved one can be a challenge. For Debra Blood, the key to coping with the death of her husband was through humor.

"My Husband Has Died, But That's Not the Funny Part" chronicles author Debra Blood's personal journey from grief to healing through the power of laughter and reflection. She shares her daily social media posts dedicated to her late husband that served as both an outlet for her emotions and a chance to include his presence in the day-to-day.

"I never intended to write a book," said Blood. "I needed to find a way to grieve and connect to my husband's memories, so I started sharing stories on social media that reminded me of our love, laughter and time together."

Although some might argue humor during such a difficult loss is inappropriate, for Blood sharing the joy of the memories and humorous family anecdotes provided a natural, familiar and meaningful method for her to express her grief.

The collection explores the importance of love, laughter and expression when working through the pain and changes surrounding the loss of a loved one.

For more information, please visit www.debrablood.com.

Debra Blood is a mother of two and currently lives in Easley, South Carolina, where she has been a customer service representative for a corporate travel agency for more than 13 years. Blood continues to share her thoughts on the hope, humor and the positivity in life on her website, www.debrablood.com.